Pandering to the top 6 / 7 /8 clubs in the PL involved in various forms of European competition - Follow the money.

The smaller clubs don't have the same voice in the room.

That can't be right. 6 Premier League sides had a 3rd round replay this year alone.

What I can believe is that Premier League sides having a replay against a League 1 or below side is rare:

Forest had Blackpool this year
2022/23 - zero
2020/21 and 2021/22 - No replays - all settled on the day
2019/20 - Newcastle played Oxford and Rochdale, Liverpool played Shrewsbury

If I had to make an argue for it:

If Premier League clubs don't have the security of 'phew, got a draw, we'll sort it out in the second leg' they'll probably show up at the football league sides with a stronger team at the outset.

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I think its typical of the FA and PL. The PL always act in the interests of the top sides and screw the rest. Its certainly not in the interest of the fans or the smaller clubs.

Still gives the top six a chance to go on a 5 game tour of some distant land instead of the usual 3.

I can understand the lower league/non-league clubs being upset by this, especially non league if they get to the 1st round proper, cup runs helped by replays can keep them going financially for years
But as a palace fan, who wants a replay a? Who wants to travel up to Everton etc, or anywhere really on a Tuesday night when we had the chance to get the job done at home, even if it does go to penalties.

Although I will say despite the result, the final replay of 1990 gave us another special night under the twin towers back when it meant something, horrible result, but atmosphere wise, so much better than the first game as we had double the support there.

Edited by monkey (19 Apr 2024 11.40am)

I would split at the 64 stage so the bottom rated 32 are at home.
They get the bigger team at their place.
In Europe they do it so why not here. They get their big game and the dosh is then guaranteed. I’ve seen many league 2 against league 2 games which probably isn’t that much of an inspiration even if it replays.

When I first saw this news I was angry - particularly for smaller clubs. However, the would be some positives for them. If it is a draw then extra time then penalties, that gives the smaller team almost a better chance to progress. For instance, I wouldn't like to bet on us in a penalty shoot out against a smaller side. And who doesn't love a penalty shoot out? (The England team excepted)

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